September 16, 2021

Weekly Reflection – We Call Her Mom2

My mother-in-law, we call her Mom2, was born on this day 100 years ago. She was raised in rural Louisiana during the “great depression,” married at the beginning of World War II, and traveled the world as a military wife with two small children. Later, she lost her first child to cancer, her second child to mental illness, and her husband to dementia. Today, at age 100, she lives peacefully and in good health at an assisted living home in Texas.

Some time ago, I asked Mom2, “What one thing have you learned during your long life that others should know?” Her reply was classic. “What we thought was important, wasn’t.” Think about that.

What is the most important thing in life to you? Is it, really? Is there perhaps something else that is more important but that you don’t recognize on a daily basis?

This weekend we had a family “Super Zoom” birthday party with two dozen relatives who celebrated Mom2’s continuing long life. I told this story and suggested that the people on the screen, her family, are what is most important. Mom2 agreed. And she shared that she gives God credit for all that has come her way and for the peace she feels at this stage of her journey. Can you give God the credit at this stage of your journey?

Before the “Super Zoom” meeting, I prayed earnestly that it would go well, that the family would show up, and that good things would come from it. Now, in hindsight, I need to give God the credit for the loving good that transpired. This was an example of “the most important thing.” And, as we think about it, I realize that “family” goes beyond my blood relatives. It includes the entire body of Christ, my brothers and sisters in Christ. May God be glorified as we live in that loving relationship.

Peace and Blessings,

Note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the Chaplain alone and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of any organization he may be associated with.

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